In an interview with “Out,” Irvin talks about his stance on homosexual issues because of his brother Vaughn, who was gay. Vaughn died of stomach cancer in 2006.

Irvin, who is pictured on the magazine’s cover sans a shirt but wearing football pads and jeans, says his brother’s sexual orientation helped bring to light several issues about his own decisions made with regard to relationships.

Also, Irvin tells the magazine that African Americans should support marriage equality.

"I don't see how any African-American, with any inkling of history, can say that you don't have the right to live your life how you want to live your life," he said, according to the magazine. "No one should be telling you who you should love, no one should be telling you who you should be spending the rest of your life with. When we start talking about equality, and everybody being treated equally, I don't want to know an African-American who will say everybody doesn't deserve equality."

The 45-year-old also said if any player in the NFL or other sport comes out, “I will absolutely support him ... I’ll give him 100 percent support.”

Irvin played 12 seasons for the Cowboys and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2007.